Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: Daultan Leveille played for St. Catherine's in the GHOJB (junior B), posting 29 goals and 27 assists in 45 games. Advanced to the league finals. He rose in the rankings late in the year and was ranked No. 48 by ISS in their final rank.

2008-09: Got off to fast start in his freshman year at Michigan State despite a sub-par season for the team. Leveille was named CCHA Rookie of the Month for October and finished the season with 9 goals (four on the power play) and 8 assists. While his plus/minus ranking of -19 was a bit discouraging, he was one of just two players to appear in all 38 games for the Spartans, who won just ten games.

2009-10: Both Leveille and the Spartans were much better in his second season in East Lansing. Unlike the struggles of a year earlier, the Spartans were one of the fastest teams out of the gate, winning ten of their first thirteen games and narrowly missed twenty wins and an NCAA tournament berth. For his part, Leveille flourished as a playmaker; his 19 assists were third on the team and he also added 6 goals and posted a much-improved plus/minus of +14.

2010-11: Leveille’s junior year at Michigan State was overshadowed by personal tragedy. Leveille’s younger brother passed away unexpectedly and caused the Spartan’s top center to miss several games on personal leave. Counted on to play in all situations, Leveille continues to underwhelm offensively and concerns over his ability to play in traffic have not abated. Entering his senior year, Leveille will need a marked improvement to earn a contract from the Jets on the completion of his college career.

2011-12: Leveille was limited to 21 games in his senior season at Michigan State due to injuries. He scored 3 goals with 6 assists and was plus-five with 4 penalty minutes. The Spartans finished fifth in the CCHA but received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament despite losing to Miami in the conference quarterfinals. Leveille was not tendered a contract by the Jets; becoming an unrestricted free agent. He signed a two-way AHL/ECHL contract with Hamilton in September, 2012.

Talent Analysis

Very fast skater, perhaps the fastest in the 2008 draft class. Solid puck skills and offensive instincts. He should get stronger on the puck as he puts on weight. Needs to improve his defense. Has also shown signs of developing the hockey sense that some scouts felt he was lacking.

Future

Leveille appears to be on track to be a first round bust, but there may be some time to salvage his career if he adapts well to the pro game.

Photo: Drafted 3rd overall in 2008, Zach Bogosian has gradually developed into a solid top four defenseman in the NHL. (courtesy of Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon SMI)

Because the 2008 draft class produced so many big name stars, the other prospects that have yet to make the big show yet are often held to unrealistic standards, and written off as busts too soon. Zach Bogosian's future with the Jets/Thrashers franchise was in doubt at one point, and only in the 2011-12 season did he really show what the front office saw in him to take him third overall.